Opti-K™

What is Opti-K™?

Opti-K™ (VIS Optimal Keratoplasty) is a minimally invasive laser procedure that gently reshapes the cornea to improve vision — without cutting or removing tissue.

Using gentle infrared laser energy applied to the non-central cornea, Opti-K™ takes only 3 seconds per eye, is completely pain-free, and delivers improved vision within an hour. Results last 6 months to 2 years and can be safely repeated as your vision changes.

The procedure corrects or improves:

  • Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  • Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss requiring reading glasses)

Why Patients Choose Opti-K™

  • Safe, minimally-invasive, and pain-free
  • Quick treatment with immediate results
  • Repeatable as your vision naturally changes
  • Affordable alternative to glasses, contacts, or surgery
  • No cutting, no downtime, no recovery period

Why is My Vision Changing?

As we age, the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible and less able to adjust focus between near and far objects. This normal, age-related condition is called presbyopia and typically begins in your 40s, causing difficulty reading or seeing close objects clearly without glasses.Opti-K™ helps restore your natural ability to focus — giving you more freedom from reading glasses or bifocals.

How Opti-K™ Works

Opti-K™ gently reshapes the clear front surface of your eye (the cornea) using a special infrared laser. This reshaping creates increased depth of focus for presbyopia patients.  It also creates a prismatic effect in AMD patients that moves focused light on healthier and less affected parts of the retina.

  • No cutting or tissue removal: The surface of your eye stays completely intact.
  • Quick and simple: The whole procedure takes less than 5 minutes for both eyes.
  • Comfortable: You won’t feel pain, and there’s no downtime or side effects.
  • Fast results: Most people notice clearer vision within 30 to 60 minutes.
  • Long-lasting: Results usually last 6 months to 2 years and can be safely repeated as your vision changes.

Are You a Candidate?

You may benefit from Opti-K™ if you:

  • Are 40 years or older
  • Depend on reading glasses or bifocals
  • Have early AMD
  • Have had cataract surgery and want to fine-tune your reading vision
  • Want a safe, comfortable, and quick alternative to surgery

A complete eye evaluation is required to determine eligibility. During the assessment, your near and distance vision will be tested to ensure Opti-K™ is the right solution for your needs.

Treatment Options & Cost

  • Unilateral (one eye): $1,200
  • Bilateral (both eyes): $1,800

Each treatment includes the procedure and follow-up evaluation. Opti-K™ is designed to be cost-effective — comparable to, and often less than, the lifetime cost of glasses or contact lenses.

What to Expect

  • Consultation & Eye Exam – Assessment by Dr. Maryam Taheri-Shirazi to determine your suitability.
  • Treatment Day – A quick, gentle 3-second laser procedure per eye.
  • Immediate Results – Notice improved vision within 30–60 minutes.
  • No Downtime – Resume normal activities right away.
  • Follow-Up – Optional future treatments as your vision evolves.

FAQs

Is the procedure painful?

No. Opti-K™ is completely pain-free. Most patients feel only mild warmth for a few seconds.

How long does it take?

Just 3 seconds per eye — and under 5 minutes total including setup.

When will I notice results?

Most patients see improvement within an hour of treatment.

How long do the results last?

Typically 6 months to 2 years. The procedure is safely repeatable.

Is there any downtime or recovery?

None. You can return to your usual activities immediately after treatment.

Can it be repeated?

Yes. Opti-K™ can be safely repeated as your vision naturally changes with age.

Is it safe?

Yes. The epithelium (outer corneal layer) remains intact, with no cutting, no damage, and no adverse effects reported.

How does it compare to LASIK or other surgeries?

Unlike LASIK, Opti-K™ does not remove or cut tissue. It’s non-surgical, pain-free, and can be done in a regular exam room.

Can it be done after cataract surgery?

Yes. Opti-K™ is an excellent way to fine-tune vision after cataract surgery, giving you added clarity for reading.

Who performs the treatment?

Dr. Maryam Taheri-Shirazi, MD, General, Low Vision, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon — the only surgeon in Canada offering Opti-K™.

Where is it done?

Opti-K is currently being done at our Scarborough clinic, and the address is:

2855 Markham Road Suite 408 Scarborough, ON M1X 0C3

Dr. Maryam Taheri-Shirazi, MD

General, Low Vision, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon


Dr. Maryam is the only surgeon in Canada currently performing the Opti-K™ procedure.

If you would like to determine whether Opti-K™ is right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Maryam for a full eye evaluation and personalized recommendation.


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